Mae Rose Kessler, 86, a resident of Columbus the past three years, died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, at Kindred Heath Center. She had lived in Rush and Shelby counties most of her life.

Mae Rose was a member of Manilla Christian Church and also attended First Christian Church in Shelbyville. She was active in teaching Sunday School and working with Stephen Ministry, was a girls and boys 4-H leader and enjoyed working with young people.

Mae Rose was a member of Flat Rock Order of the Eastern Star No. 473, where she served twice as Past Worthy Matron and as Secretary for several years. She was past Grand Representative of Colorado and Daylight Court No. 31 in Franklin. She loved sewing, wood crafting, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always found time to do for others who were unable to do for themselves.

The funeral will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Norman Funeral Home in Hope with Pastor Gwen Pew officiating. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. An Eastern Star service will be conducted Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Burial will be at Manilla Cemetery in Rush Co.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty United Methodist Church Building Fund through the funeral home.

Born at Lewis Creek in Shelby County on Dec. 25, 1925, Mae Rose was the daughter of Floyd and Ruth Hagerman Drake.

Survivors include a daughter, Carolyn Willey of Columbus, a son, Gerald (Veanna) Kessler of Manilla; grandchildren Brian Willey of Tomball, TX., Brandon (Leigh) Kessler and Chrissy (Chuck) Tabeling, both of Shelbyville; great-grandchildren, R.J. Willey of Tomball, Tx., Wyatt and Grant Kessler and Katie, Rebecca and Andrew Tabeling all of Shelbyville; a sister, Louise Isley of Flat Rock; a sister-in-law, Ann Drake of Flat Rock; and a brother-in-law, Jack

McIntire of Flat Rock.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Betty McIntire; brothers, Donald and Bud Drake; and son-in-law, Jack N. Willey.